White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia Faces Questions over Legal Credentials
WASHINGTON, October 15 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is facing questions about her legal credentials after Reuters could not find records showing she was registered as an attorney or a member of the bar in any U.S. state or the District of Columbia.
Zacharia, who joined the White House on Monday, has said she practised law before entering politics. President Donald Trump has also described her as an attorney.
“I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials,” Zacharia said in an emailed statement to Reuters on Wednesday.
Her LinkedIn profile lists work as an associate at Beijing-based Zhong Lun Law Firm from 2011 to 2013 and as general counsel at Fix California from 2024 to 2025.
Ric Grenell, the Trump ally who founded Fix California, told Reuters that Zacharia had been a senior adviser with several responsibilities, including overseeing outside lawyers.
Zhong Lun did not respond to requests for comment. The White House did not respond to questions about Zacharia’s legal background or credentials.
Pepperdine University confirmed that Zacharia earned a law degree in 2011. A law degree and admission to practise are separate qualifications.
Asked during Tuesday’s briefing where she had passed the bar exam, Zacharia replied: “When I moved to China.” Reuters reported that China requires practising lawyers to be Chinese nationals, while foreign staff may advise and consult on legal matters.
The questions come as Zacharia takes over the White House briefing room three weeks before the November midterm elections.
Two people familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Trump hired her after expressing concern about media coverage and seeking a spokesperson who could more strongly promote his administration’s achievements. She succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who left in August.
Zacharia’s first briefing on Tuesday lasted less than 15 minutes, with questions taken from three reporters. Trump later praised her performance.
Source: Reuters.
